President receives top Benin award
The President of Benin, Mr Thomas Boni Yayi, on Monday decorated his Ghanaian counterpart, President John Dramani Mahama, with The Great Cross of the National Order of Benin.
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The award, which was presented on behalf of the People and the Government of Benin, is the highest in the national awards and credentials of the Republic of Benin.
It was in recognition of President Mahama’s exemplary leadership and significant contribution to the deepening and consolidation of democracy and democratic governance in Ghana.
The honour was bestowed on President Mahama during his two-day state visit to Benin.
President Mahama entered national politics in 1996, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings, rising quickly from a deputy minister to a full minister and remains one of the most exemplary and admirable Ghanaian politicians in history.
Conferring the award at an investiture service in the People’s Room of the Benin Presidential Palace on Monday night, President Yayi recalled President Mahama’s commitment to the African renaissance and the need for greater sub-regional and African integration.
He expressed admiration for President Mahama’s determination to push through and seek the support of colleague Heads of State at all forums, both at ECOWAS and the African Union, for the development of the continent.
He described President Mahama as a worthy replacement for the late President John Atta Mills, whom he described as a blessing to Africa.
In his acceptance speech, President Mahama thanked the people of Benin for the recognition, noting, however, that his predecessor Presidents of Ghana were the real recipients of the award.
“I accept this award with feelings of both humility and pride. My acceptance and receipt of this award and honour will, however, not be complete without recognising those whose support and contributions have made it possible for me to achieve what we are celebrating today.
''In particular, I would wish to pay tribute to all my predecessors who laid the foundation for democracy to thrive and flourish in Ghana,” he stated.
He said the democratic path adopted by Ghana had brought with it several advantages, which he called the “the democratic dividend”.
“Since the last decade, Ghana has experienced unprecedented economic growth. Rising inflation has been arrested, while the country has continuously achieved GDP growth of around eight per cent per annum. Just last year, Ghana was adjudged the fastest growing economy in the whole world, while the country achieved a middle-income status,” he added.